Acupuncture and Acupressuretag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480%ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00Focus on traditional Chinese medicine.TypePadElectrotherapy Gives Hope for Patients With Spinal Cord Injurytag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-335752018-12-01T12:00:32-07:002018-12-01T12:00:07-07:00There has been little optimism for recovery from a spinal cord injury because the central nervous system does not repair itself well. The severity of the injury depends on the affected area. Loss of impulse conduction disrupts an individual's ability to move limbs, stand and walk. Injury also results in loss of various bodily functions depending upon the level of injury. Treatment following a spinal cord injury comprises immobilizing the spinal cord to prevent further harm, medication and various types of rehabilitation programs.By Barbara Berger, LAcThere has been little optimism for recovery from a spinal cord injury because the central nervous system does not repair itself well. The severity of the injury depends on the affected area. Loss of impulse conduction disrupts an individual's ability to move limbs, stand and walk. Injury also results in loss of various bodily functions depending upon the level of injury. Treatment following a spinal cord injury comprises immobilizing the spinal cord to prevent further harm, medication and various types of rehabilitation programs.Acupuncture is a Science-Based Medicinetag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-335702018-12-01T12:00:32-07:002018-12-01T12:00:07-07:00A longstanding patient of mine came in for a routine treatment after she recently began seeing a chiropractor for neck pain. She saw him a couple of times and wasn't getting the relief she had hoped for, so he recommended she let him do dry needling. She told me it was painful and that instead of giving her relief, it actually flared up her neck condition even worse.By Molly Harbour Hutto, LAc, MSOM, Dipl. OMA longstanding patient of mine came in for a routine treatment after she recently began seeing a chiropractor for neck pain. She saw him a couple of times and wasn't getting the relief she had hoped for, so he recommended she let him do dry needling. She told me it was painful and that instead of giving her relief, it actually flared up her neck condition even worse.Working for Someone Else: Know the Rules of the Gametag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-335352018-09-01T12:00:32-07:002018-09-01T12:00:07-07:00Many of us decide to become acupuncturists because we are healers at heart and want to focus on treating patients, not because we want to own and operate a business. So we work for someone else, which can have great advantages, especially as a new graduate.By Carly Samish, MAcOM, LAc, LMTMany of us decide to become acupuncturists because we are healers at heart and want to focus on treating patients, not because we want to own and operate a business. So we work for someone else, which can have great advantages, especially as a new graduate.Integrative Care for Breast Cancer: Oncologists Approvetag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-335122018-06-01T12:00:32-07:002018-06-01T12:00:07-07:00The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), representing an estimated 40,000 oncology physicians from all subspecialties, has endorsed the Society for Integrative Oncology's 2017 evidence-based guideline on the use of acupuncture and related integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment.By Editorial StaffThe American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), representing an estimated 40,000 oncology physicians from all subspecialties, has endorsed the Society for Integrative Oncology's 2017 evidence-based guideline on the use of acupuncture and related integrative therapies during and after breast cancer treatment.A Novel Treatment for Aggressive Energytag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-334572018-04-01T12:00:32-07:002018-04-01T12:00:07-07:00One interpretation of Chinese medicine is Five-Element acupuncture, systematized by J.R. Worsley. Within its framework is the removal of energetic blockages prior to deeper constitutional treatments. These blockages are identified by a combination of pulse diagnosis, patient history, and certain manual tests.By Brandon LaGreca, LAcOne interpretation of Chinese medicine is Five-Element acupuncture, systematized by J.R. Worsley. Within its framework is the removal of energetic blockages prior to deeper constitutional treatments. These blockages are identified by a combination of pulse diagnosis, patient history, and certain manual tests.Acupuncture Coverage Gets a Big Boost From ICERtag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-334172018-01-01T12:00:32-07:002018-01-01T12:00:07-07:00The Institute for Economic Review, "an independent, nonprofit research organization that evaluates medical evidence and convenes public deliberative bodies to help stakeholders interpret and apply evidence to improve patient outcomes and control costs," has announced that adequate evidence supports payer coverage of acupuncture to manage chronic low back pain in conjunction with usual care.By Editorial StaffThe Institute for Economic Review, "an independent, nonprofit research organization that evaluates medical evidence and convenes public deliberative bodies to help stakeholders interpret and apply evidence to improve patient outcomes and control costs," has announced that adequate evidence supports payer coverage of acupuncture to manage chronic low back pain in conjunction with usual care.Acupuncture Instead of Opioids: The White Papertag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-334162018-01-01T12:00:32-07:002018-01-01T12:00:07-07:00Six acupuncture organizations have released an extensively referenced 20-page white paper that outlines the profession's value as an alternative to opioid medication for pain relief.By Editorial StaffSix acupuncture organizations have released an extensively referenced 20-page white paper that outlines the profession's value as an alternative to opioid medication for pain relief.A Great New Tool to Educate MDs on Nondrug Pain Relieftag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-334042017-12-01T12:00:32-07:002017-12-01T12:00:07-07:00A one-page "pocket guide" titled "Moving Beyond Medications" could be a critical first step in educating medical doctors (particularly those who would like to pull away from the grips of Big Pharma) about the value of acupuncture and other nondrug therapies that have been shown to be effective at relieving pain.By Editorial StaffA one-page "pocket guide" titled "Moving Beyond Medications" could be a critical first step in educating medical doctors (particularly those who would like to pull away from the grips of Big Pharma) about the value of acupuncture and other nondrug therapies that have been shown to be effective at relieving pain.The Secret to Treating Chronic Pain With Electroacupuncturetag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-333972017-11-01T12:00:32-07:002017-11-01T12:00:07-07:00Electroacupuncture is an amazing tool to treat chronic pain, however the lack of education in this modality makes it an under-potentiated system. I struggled for years trying to get results with electroacupuncture (EAC) by following the available literature.By Rick Bernanrd, LAcElectroacupuncture is an amazing tool to treat chronic pain, however the lack of education in this modality makes it an under-potentiated system. I struggled for years trying to get results with electroacupuncture (EAC) by following the available literature.Attorneys General to Insurers: Cover Acupuncturetag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-333922017-11-01T12:00:32-07:002017-11-01T12:00:07-07:00U.S. attorneys general representing nearly 40 states / territories have taken an important step in combating the opioid epidemic, highlighting nondrug pain management options - and increasing insurance policies toward and coverage of acupuncture and other conservative treatment options.By Editorial StaffU.S. attorneys general representing nearly 40 states / territories have taken an important step in combating the opioid epidemic, highlighting nondrug pain management options - and increasing insurance policies toward and coverage of acupuncture and other conservative treatment options.Gallup Report: Americans Want Drug-Free Pain Relieftag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-333912017-09-01T12:00:32-07:002017-09-01T12:00:07-07:00Initial findings from the Gallup-Palmer College of Chiropractic Annual Study of Americans reveal U.S. adults' experiences with pain and their perceptions of and opinions regarding pharmaceutical vs. nondrug pain management.By Editorial StaffInitial findings from the Gallup-Palmer College of Chiropractic Annual Study of Americans reveal U.S. adults' experiences with pain and their perceptions of and opinions regarding pharmaceutical vs. nondrug pain management.Acupuncture for Substance Abuse: Maine Pilot Projecttag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-333902017-11-01T12:00:32-07:002017-11-01T12:00:07-07:00Newly passed legislation in Maine requires the state to seek authorization from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for a unique pilot project to test the viability of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of substance abuse disorders.By Editorial StaffNewly passed legislation in Maine requires the state to seek authorization from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for a unique pilot project to test the viability of auricular acupuncture in the treatment of substance abuse disorders.Dysautonomia: The Medical Condition You May Already Be Treatingtag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-332682016-11-01T12:00:32-07:002016-11-01T12:00:07-07:00TCM practitioners have spent thousands of years healing patients without knowing or needing the names of their diseases as defined by allopathic medicine. We have syndrome names that are both poetic and efficient. But sometimes, an allopathic term helps you administer care and refer a patient more effectively.By Felice Dunas, PhDTCM practitioners have spent thousands of years healing patients without knowing or needing the names of their diseases as defined by allopathic medicine. We have syndrome names that are both poetic and efficient. But sometimes, an allopathic term helps you administer care and refer a patient more effectively.Letter to the Editortag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-332442016-09-01T12:00:32-07:002016-09-01T12:00:07-07:00On December 7, 1999, the U.S. FDA reclassified the status of acupuncture needles from class III (investigative devices subject to investigative device exemptions...) to class II (special controls). "The classification regulation (21 CFR 880.5580) for solid, stainless steel, acupuncture needles requires that these class II devices must comply with special controls for single use labeling, prescription labeling, biocompatibility, and sterility." Since that time, acupuncture needles have been available to "qualified practitioners" without prescription through distributors throughout the United States. The FDA allows individual states to regulate the sale and distribution of medical devices as they see fit. However, the FDA gives no specific direction regarding the distribution of acupuncture needles.By John Scott, DOM, Golden Flower Chinese Herbs, Bill Egloff, Crane Herb Company, Matthew Pike, Lhasa OMS and Barry Thorne, Golden NeedleOn December 7, 1999, the U.S. FDA reclassified the status of acupuncture needles from class III (investigative devices subject to investigative device exemptions...) to class II (special controls). "The classification regulation (21 CFR 880.5580) for solid, stainless steel, acupuncture needles requires that these class II devices must comply with special controls for single use labeling, prescription labeling, biocompatibility, and sterility." Since that time, acupuncture needles have been available to "qualified practitioners" without prescription through distributors throughout the United States. The FDA allows individual states to regulate the sale and distribution of medical devices as they see fit. However, the FDA gives no specific direction regarding the distribution of acupuncture needles.Acupuncture Earns BLS Unique Codetag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-332432016-09-01T12:00:32-07:002016-09-01T12:00:07-07:00The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics recently announced that acupuncturists will have their own unique occupational code in the 2018 BLS Handbook. The new Standard Occupational Code (SOC) is 29-1291, will be included in the next edition of the BLS Occupational Handbook, which will be published in 2018.By Editorial StaffThe United States Bureau of Labor Statistics recently announced that acupuncturists will have their own unique occupational code in the 2018 BLS Handbook. The new Standard Occupational Code (SOC) is 29-1291, will be included in the next edition of the BLS Occupational Handbook, which will be published in 2018.Concerns Regarding CDC Guidelines for Pain Managementtag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-332422016-09-01T12:00:32-07:002016-09-01T12:00:07-07:00In response to the epidemic rates of opioid and heroin addiction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set new guidelines for physicians regarding treatment for pain. In an attempt to reduce the amount of opioids being prescribed, the CDC has listed guidelines for pain management that identify specific alternative approaches. These treatments range from various types of nonopioid medications, behavioral therapy, exercise therapy and epidural injections. Noticeably missing from these new guidelines for the treatment of pain is acupuncture.By Shelly BobbinsIn response to the epidemic rates of opioid and heroin addiction, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) set new guidelines for physicians regarding treatment for pain. In an attempt to reduce the amount of opioids being prescribed, the CDC has listed guidelines for pain management that identify specific alternative approaches. These treatments range from various types of nonopioid medications, behavioral therapy, exercise therapy and epidural injections. Noticeably missing from these new guidelines for the treatment of pain is acupuncture.Acupuncture's Essential Roletag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-332412016-09-01T12:00:32-07:002016-09-01T12:00:07-07:00Acupuncture should play a more prominent role in U.S. healthcare during and after this post-Affordable Care Act era when chronic care and population health management are key concerns for all healthcare providers. To detect differences between patients treated for chronic symptoms with acupuncture only versus acupuncture plus conventional treatment, as well as differences between these treatment experiences, 90 patients completed surveys following their visit to an acupuncture clinic. Of these patients, 63% had received both conventional and acupuncture treatment for the same condition. Sixty-one percent of these patients were treated for pain. Specific reasons given for treatment included back pain (33%), other musculoskeletal pain (28%), stress (14%), depression (6%), fatigue (5%) and gastrointestinal problems (5%).By Ruthann RussoAcupuncture should play a more prominent role in U.S. healthcare during and after this post-Affordable Care Act era when chronic care and population health management are key concerns for all healthcare providers. To detect differences between patients treated for chronic symptoms with acupuncture only versus acupuncture plus conventional treatment, as well as differences between these treatment experiences, 90 patients completed surveys following their visit to an acupuncture clinic. Of these patients, 63% had received both conventional and acupuncture treatment for the same condition. Sixty-one percent of these patients were treated for pain. Specific reasons given for treatment included back pain (33%), other musculoskeletal pain (28%), stress (14%), depression (6%), fatigue (5%) and gastrointestinal problems (5%).Acupuncture Muscle Trigger Point and Oriental Medicine Sports Therapytag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-332222016-07-01T12:00:32-07:002016-07-01T12:00:07-07:00It is difficult to ascertain the internal condition of professional basketball player Lebron James during game one of the 2014 NBA finals, in which he developed debilitating muscle cramps that led to his premature removal from the game. There was one piece of evidence that may have contributed to his condition. It was the use of ice on his body during intermissions in play of the game.By Evan MahoneyIt is difficult to ascertain the internal condition of professional basketball player Lebron James during game one of the 2014 NBA finals, in which he developed debilitating muscle cramps that led to his premature removal from the game. There was one piece of evidence that may have contributed to his condition. It was the use of ice on his body during intermissions in play of the game.Adventures with the San Jiaotag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-332202016-07-01T12:00:32-07:002016-07-01T12:00:07-07:00Those of us who have been in practice for several decades relish the way meridians and points reveal new diagnostic clues and new insights. I love to encourage my students to see this as an adventure that goes way beyond the textbooks. A journey across the zip lines and tracks of the meridians offers new twists and turns with each year of practice.By Pamela E. Ferguson, Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM), AOBTA and GSD-CI, LMT (TX)Those of us who have been in practice for several decades relish the way meridians and points reveal new diagnostic clues and new insights. I love to encourage my students to see this as an adventure that goes way beyond the textbooks. A journey across the zip lines and tracks of the meridians offers new twists and turns with each year of practice.Immunotherapy: Where Molecular Medicine Crosses Into Holistic Thinkingtag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-332122016-06-01T12:00:32-07:002016-06-01T12:00:07-07:00Immunotherapy, and its promise as a cancer treatment, has been in the news a lot in the last few years, and for good reason. Real shifts are happening in oncology and exciting researchers, clinicians, and patients. It can be challenging for the casual reader to get a clear picture of immunotherapy because the term can be found in reference to different treatment paradigms. Occasionally, this will just mean a treatment given with intent to activate the immune system. In that regard, anything that is immune supportive is immunotherapy.By Shai White-Gilbertson, PhD, MSCR, Dipl Ac, CTRImmunotherapy, and its promise as a cancer treatment, has been in the news a lot in the last few years, and for good reason. Real shifts are happening in oncology and exciting researchers, clinicians, and patients. It can be challenging for the casual reader to get a clear picture of immunotherapy because the term can be found in reference to different treatment paradigms. Occasionally, this will just mean a treatment given with intent to activate the immune system. In that regard, anything that is immune supportive is immunotherapy.The Eight Extraordinary Confluent Pointstag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-332072016-06-01T12:00:32-07:002016-06-01T12:00:07-07:00The eight extraordinary confluent points are a very popular set of acupuncture points in the modern practice of acupuncture. They are also called the intersection, meeting, command, opening, master, and the flowing and pooling points of the eight extraordinary vessels. Prior to the Jin (1115-1234 AD) and Yuan Dynasties (1279-1368 AD) this category of points were not known in Chinese medical texts.By David Twicken, DOM, LAcThe eight extraordinary confluent points are a very popular set of acupuncture points in the modern practice of acupuncture. They are also called the intersection, meeting, command, opening, master, and the flowing and pooling points of the eight extraordinary vessels. Prior to the Jin (1115-1234 AD) and Yuan Dynasties (1279-1368 AD) this category of points were not known in Chinese medical texts.The Liver: The Official of Planningtag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-332052016-06-01T12:00:32-07:002016-06-01T12:00:07-07:00The Liver, with its paired Official, the Gall Bladder, belongs to the Element Wood within us. Wood grants us the power of birth - new beginnings, growth, breaking through boundaries and surging forward. It is the vigorous, exuberant energy of the spring season. Yet, this exuberance is neither chaotic nor random, but takes place within precise existing natural laws.By Neil Gumenick, MAc (UK), LAc, Dipl. AcThe Liver, with its paired Official, the Gall Bladder, belongs to the Element Wood within us. Wood grants us the power of birth - new beginnings, growth, breaking through boundaries and surging forward. It is the vigorous, exuberant energy of the spring season. Yet, this exuberance is neither chaotic nor random, but takes place within precise existing natural laws.Energy: For Life and For Deathtag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-331932016-05-01T12:00:32-07:002016-05-01T12:00:07-07:00Energy is a deep topic in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qi is understood to underlie all of existence, animated or not, and the qi of the living is studied with special attention. Our bodily qi is most often named according to either its originating location or its function: liver qi, defense qi, grain qi, kidney qi... the list is nearly endless. This background prepared me for the bewildering variety and complexity of cellular biology when that became my focus. One thing it did not conceptually prepare me for is a phenomenon called apoptosis. Yet, it is a physiological imperative and an important part of balance and health. Apoptosis is a form of cell death, one that is executed with care and organization in order to serve the whole body. A cell dying via apoptosis requires energy to do it properly; it is an investment of something we might call death qi.By Shai White-Gilbertson, PhD, MSCR, Dipl Ac, CTREnergy is a deep topic in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Qi is understood to underlie all of existence, animated or not, and the qi of the living is studied with special attention. Our bodily qi is most often named according to either its originating location or its function: liver qi, defense qi, grain qi, kidney qi... the list is nearly endless. This background prepared me for the bewildering variety and complexity of cellular biology when that became my focus. One thing it did not conceptually prepare me for is a phenomenon called apoptosis. Yet, it is a physiological imperative and an important part of balance and health. Apoptosis is a form of cell death, one that is executed with care and organization in order to serve the whole body. A cell dying via apoptosis requires energy to do it properly; it is an investment of something we might call death qi.An Interview with Amanda Shayletag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-331922016-05-01T12:00:32-07:002016-05-01T12:00:07-07:00JW: Can you share with us some of your history and how you became an acupuncturist? What did you do prior to becoming an acupuncturist? Where did you go to school?By Jennifer Waters, LAc, Dipl. AcJW: Can you share with us some of your history and how you became an acupuncturist? What did you do prior to becoming an acupuncturist? Where did you go to school?Constructing Our Reality: The Primary Channels and Perception, Part 1tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-331912016-05-01T12:00:32-07:002016-05-01T12:00:07-07:00My favorite topic of discussion within Chinese medicine is the acupuncture channel systems. First of all, each of us have them. They are part of our bodies; not something external to us. To learn about the acupuncture channels is to learn about ourselves. To continue with my series of articles on the sensory organs, perception and the acupuncture channels, let's look at perception in relation to the Primary Channels.By Nicholas Sieben, LAcMy favorite topic of discussion within Chinese medicine is the acupuncture channel systems. First of all, each of us have them. They are part of our bodies; not something external to us. To learn about the acupuncture channels is to learn about ourselves. To continue with my series of articles on the sensory organs, perception and the acupuncture channels, let's look at perception in relation to the Primary Channels.Taking a Pulsetag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-331592016-03-01T12:00:32-07:002016-03-01T12:00:07-07:00Perhaps one of the great traditional pillars of TCM is the art of pulse diagnosis. The evaluation of the pulse gives insight into the inter-relationships of every level of the meridian system. Taking the time to properly palpate the superficial and deep pulses of both wrists and evaluate them for each of the potential characteristics requires training, understanding, patience, and discipline. It also requires the practitioner to clear their mind of opinion or prejudice and listen for what the patients' body has to say - not just what they assume they are looking for.By Douglas R. Briggs, DC, Dipl. Ac. (IAMA), DAAPM, EMTPerhaps one of the great traditional pillars of TCM is the art of pulse diagnosis. The evaluation of the pulse gives insight into the inter-relationships of every level of the meridian system. Taking the time to properly palpate the superficial and deep pulses of both wrists and evaluate them for each of the potential characteristics requires training, understanding, patience, and discipline. It also requires the practitioner to clear their mind of opinion or prejudice and listen for what the patients' body has to say - not just what they assume they are looking for.The Gall Bladder: The Official of Decision Making and Judgmenttag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-331582016-03-01T12:00:32-07:002016-03-01T12:00:07-07:00The Gall Bladder, with its paired official, the liver, is the element wood within us. Wood grants us the power of birth - new beginnings, growth, breaking through boundaries and surging forward. It is the vigorous, exuberant energy of the Spring season.By Neil Gumenick, MAc (UK), LAc, Dipl. AcThe Gall Bladder, with its paired official, the liver, is the element wood within us. Wood grants us the power of birth - new beginnings, growth, breaking through boundaries and surging forward. It is the vigorous, exuberant energy of the Spring season.From Antiquity to Modernity: Huang Qin Tang at Yale Medical School, Part 2tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-331572016-03-01T12:00:32-07:002016-03-01T12:00:07-07:00Here, I want to summarize the experiments and studies that validate the wisdom embedded in Chinese medicine theories. Single-Target vs. Multifactorial Approach: Modern drugs are developed at the molecular level and are designed so that the operative molecules which make up a drug only target or interact with a single, specific biological receptor.By Changzhen Gong, PhDHere, I want to summarize the experiments and studies that validate the wisdom embedded in Chinese medicine theories. Single-Target vs. Multifactorial Approach: Modern drugs are developed at the molecular level and are designed so that the operative molecules which make up a drug only target or interact with a single, specific biological receptor.Of Service to Those That Servedtag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-331532016-03-01T12:00:32-07:002016-03-01T12:00:07-07:00For many of the veterans attending the 2015 Los Angeles Veteran and Families Stand Down last December, the prospect of having 40-gauge needles inserted into their ears was more intimidating than any challenge they had faced in, or out of, the military. For many more, however, the Emperor's College event acupuncture clinic was a welcome sight. Flanked by massage providers, yoga instruction, and the Mindful Warrior Project, acupuncture formed the heart of the wellness area at the Stand Down, making it one of the busiest and most sought-after services at the event.By Jennifer GoodmanFor many of the veterans attending the 2015 Los Angeles Veteran and Families Stand Down last December, the prospect of having 40-gauge needles inserted into their ears was more intimidating than any challenge they had faced in, or out of, the military. For many more, however, the Emperor's College event acupuncture clinic was a welcome sight. Flanked by massage providers, yoga instruction, and the Mindful Warrior Project, acupuncture formed the heart of the wellness area at the Stand Down, making it one of the busiest and most sought-after services at the event.Searching for Trigger Pointstag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-331512016-03-01T12:00:32-07:002016-03-01T12:00:07-07:00You may have received some trigger point training as part of your acupuncture schooling, or at least have purchased charts with referral patterns and books on trigger points. But did you learn a systematic approach to identifying likely culprits and resolving perpetuating factors - the things that cause and keep trigger points activated?By Valerie DeLaune, LAcYou may have received some trigger point training as part of your acupuncture schooling, or at least have purchased charts with referral patterns and books on trigger points. But did you learn a systematic approach to identifying likely culprits and resolving perpetuating factors - the things that cause and keep trigger points activated?